PENAMPANG: The transition of leadership in a political party is inevitable, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Premier Advisor Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
“When you talk about leadership, there must be a time of transition, for example, from me to Dr Max (Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili) and from Dr Max to whoever is chosen to replace him.
“This is common,” he told a press conference at the Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, here, Monday.
On Saturday, PBS Secretary-General Datuk Julita Majungki announced that Maximus is taking leave as party president, effective June 1.
In his absence, PBS Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam will lead the party as acting president. PBS Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai would also serve the additional responsibility of acting deputy president.
Julita said the move demonstrates the party’s commitment to ensuring continuity and adaptation in its leadership structure, ultimately serving the interests of the party and its members.
Pairin said Maximus now seems to have a weakness where “he could not speak, the voice could not come out, so that is a problem.”
He said the president’s health status has driven the party to think of the next step.
“I am not the one who decides it, they are the ones who would choose it.
“We, especially me as a former president, want the transition to be good and sensible which will impact the right move forward.
“This is very important. We started PBS for the people and the objectives of PBS are all good — it is all for Sabah,” he said.
Citing the party’s anthem, he said the music is tuned to future Sabah and about working together.
Pairin also looks forward to the negotiations between PBS and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah (Star).
“These two political parties had started discussions, and in politics, this always happens.
“I hope the discussions between Star and PBS will produce the best results for future Sabah.”
He said he was made to understand that both parties will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Meanwhile, PBS Youth Chief Christopher Mandut said generally they (PBS Supreme Council members and divisional leaders) welcomed the decision and pledged their support to the new top party leaders.
“While we cannot help but feel sentimental over the matter (of Dr Maximus taking leave), we have nothing but praise for him. He is truly a great leader and believes he made the decision for the good of PBS.
“I am sure that the president had trained the two gentlemen well, and with his continuous guidance and their brains, PBS will soar higher. On behalf of the PBS Youth movement, I assure that we will give them 200 per cent support,” he said.
PBS Vice President Datuk Daniel Kinsik said it was an opportunity for Dr Joachim, who is Deputy President for the non-Muslim Bumiputera quota, to show his leadership ability.
“In the absence of the president who was unwell, a task force was set up to run party affairs, led by him (Dr Joachim). I believe it would serve as a training ground for him to lead the party,” he said.
The task force also includes Joniston, two other Deputy Presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, Secretary-General Datuk Julita Majungki and Treasurer General Datuk Lu Kim Yen.
PBS Wanita Chief Datin Malianah Ugau said: “I am of the opinion that the president has in his mind the best interest of the party and the members, and that this way the party can move forward.
Therefore, the women’s movement supports his decision.”
